US-BASED Cebuano mixed martial arts (MMA) prospect Noah de la Calzada challenges undefeated Fierce Challenger Series (FCS) bantamweight champion Edgar Sorto in FCS 3 at the Mountain View High School in Orem, Utah on Oct. 22, 2022.

De la Calzada is looking to continue recent hot streak and win his first amateur title.

De la Calzada won all three of his fights this year after a tough 2021. He submitted Patrick Quick with a rear-naked choke in the second round, beat AJ Craig by unanimous decision, and forced David Gray to tap in the second round with an armbar.

De la Calzada is proud of his Cebuano roots and being a Filipino gives him that extra strength to compete in the highest level.

“Being of Filipino descent for me is a big thing. It always gives me confidence of having Pinoy blood in my veins. I can’t wait to visit Cebu again to see my dad and train with the guys out there,” said de la Calzada.

De la Calzada will be coming in as a huge underdog against a very talented fighter in Sorto.

Sorto started his amateur MMA career in 2015. But he has fought sparingly in his seven-year MMA career. After losing in his pro boxing debut in 2021, Sorto returned to MMA this year and won the vacant title with a fourth round knockout of previously unbeaten David Kim.

De la Calzada is 5-2, while Sorto is 5-0.